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UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MoW) Programme: Launched in 1992 to preserve and ensure access to documentary heritage worldwide, guarding against “collective amnesia.”
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MoW Register: A compendium of significant documents (manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual materials, archives) of global value, updated biennially. As of 2025, it contains 570 entries.
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India’s New Additions (2025): Manuscripts of the Natyashastra (by Bharata Muni) and the Bhagavad Gita (attributed to Vyasa), both preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune.
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Natyashastra Significance: An ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts defining drama, performance, emotion, and music. It’s particularly known for its
exposition of “rasa” – the aesthetic experience. -
Bhagavad Gita Significance: A Sanskrit scripture embedded in the Mahabharata, synthesizing Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Charvaka thought. It’s a dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, providing ethical and spiritual guidance.
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India’s Existing Contributions: 13 entries including the Rig Veda, works of Abhinavagupta, archives of the Non-Aligned Movement’s first summit, and the Dutch East India Company archives (joint submission).
